Media Inquiries
For media inquires, please contact Vivian Keesling, PR Director: viviankeesling@yahoo.com
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Latest News...
Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 2011 Dillon Open – the largest in-land lake regatta
West of the Mississippi!
The 2011 Dillon Open Regatta, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, was a rousing success with 87 boats competing including a record 13 junior teams sailing on the bay race course. Teams from California, Texas, Kansas and Illinois competed in 11 divisions on two race courses. Winds were light and variable on the first day but better on the second day.
On shore, the newly expanded marina was a hit with the competitors. A wonderful meal was catered by Pug Ryan’s Saturday evening and a very energetic DJ entertained the crowd and provided dancing under the big top tent.
As Scott Spurlin from J/boats Southwest said, “It's been called the "Most dangerous Regatta in America", the "Highest Regatta in America", and the "Largest In-Land Lake Regatta West of the Mississippi". No matter what the claim-the Dillon Open Regatta is a lot of fun!”
Think you're good at reading the wind? Come to Dillon and test your skills! Mountains and valleys with rapidly changing weather will keep the tacticians on their toes, or rolling the dice. With cool temperatures in the mornings and highs in the 70’s in the afternoon, this is a great way to get out of the heat! Mark your calendar for next year’s Dillon Open to be held August 3-5, 2012. The Dillon Yacht Club will also be hosting the 2012 J24 Nationals and the Junior Olympics in conjunction with the Frisco Marina.
The final results for the top three keel boats are:
Etchells
1st Place: Scott Snyder on Bullseye, 2nd Place: Taylor Kennedy on Tink, 3rd Place: Scott Kennedy on Talon.
J22
1st Place: Robin Jackson on K’Nae, 2nd Place: Bill Darling on Camprobber, 3rd Place: Michael Kline on Nauti Moose.
J24
1st Place: Dave Irwin on IBAJ, 2nd Place: Tim Nelson on Fly Mo’J, 3rd Place: Frank Keesling on The Dumpster.
Ensign
1st Place: Gerry Huttrer on Wildcat, 2nd Place: Chuck Neuens on Mach 1, 3rd Place: Rick Norris on Blue Streaker.
Star
1st Place: Hans Bucher on Elusive, 2nd Place: Paul Kresge, 3rd Place: Tim Seeling on Ghost.
U20
1st Place: Marty May on Red Line, 2nd Place: Jim Ulatowski on Juiced, 3rd Place: Mark Allen on Junta
PHRF A
1st Place: Alan Rowe on Whisper, an Andrews 26, 2nd Place: David Leavenworth on Harmattan, a J80, 3rd Place: Paul Scherrer on Slippery When Wet, a B-25.
PHRF B
1st Place: Mike McKeever on Feisty!, a Santana 20, 2nd Place: Kurt & Kent Robinson on Windfall, a San Juan 21 and in 3rd Place: Patrick Dorsch on Wharf Rat, a Catalina 25.
Laser
1st Place: Doug Pierini, 2nd Place: Dan Fesenmeyer, 3rd Place: Scott VerMerris.
Junior Division
Laser
1st Place: Max Williams, 2nd Place: Alice Kilduff, 3rd Place: Maximie Dassonville.
Laser Radial
1st Place: Jordan Nelson, 2nd Place: Ben Schofield, 3rd Place: Rajeev Vishwamitra.
PHRF
1st Place: Austin Williams, 2nd Place: Ryan Fesenmeyer, 3rd Place: Cameron Davison.
Full results may be viewed at www.dillonopen.com
Proceeds from the Dillon Open Regatta has allowed the DYC Junior Sailing Program to increase their operations with the purchase of a new building, new boats, the flexibility to hire top youth instructors, and to fund scholarships for financially disadvantaged area youth.
The Dillon Yacht Club (DYC), founded in 1968, is the nation's highest yacht. The Dillon Open Regatta is one of the most unique sailing regattas in the world and draws amateur and professional sailors from all over to compete in the challenging conditions of Lake Dillon. Colorado has no shortage of top contenders, and the Dillon Yacht Club is proud to claim several of its members as past winners of the Regatta. To learn more about the Dillon Open and the Dillon Yacht Club, please visit: www.dillonyachtclub.com.
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Past News...
Tuesday, February 01, 2011 - 2001 DILLON OPEN IS WARMING UP.
After a record breaking 2010 Dillon Open that saw the first ever split venue between Frisco and Dillon Marina Vice
Commodore Tim Pleune is promising an even better 2011 event.
Last year the Open venue hosted the U20 National completion which brought a large exciting fleet to the keel boat
courses and the Laser no coast championship was held in Frisco Bay. Over 100 boats were on the water in all.
“The sailors were very pleased with the race operations last year and we have the same team back for the 4th
year straight to set up our courses so this will only get better”. With all the splinter events going of
course we broke attendance records last year. This is good and bad as the volunteers were under a lot of
pressure from gate to gate. This year while we will be host to the Ensign Regional races we are still
expecting a somewhat smaller event on the water. This will improve the RCs ability to make a top quality
set of races and we are going to concentrate on that”.
Tim is relaxed and happy to be running the event again. “ The second time around seems more manageable.
I have lots of help signing on, and I will need lots more”.
“I also heard the call to start dinner earlier and allow families, spectators and the shore community
access to a more relaxed and entertaining environment surrounding the races.” Says Pleune. “ We are
planning several changes including a longer dinner service, sponsor awards on Saturday evening,
entertainment during AND after dinner and a more organized/shorter awards party on Sunday. The
expanded marina shoreline is going to allow us more options for having things happen at the same
time with room to spread out a bit.
Photography and Spectator boats will be available again and there is a plan in the works to shoot
video this year as well. Plans are formative according to Tim.
“Much of what we do depends on the advertising revenue and sponsorship money that comes in.
This picture should be more clear in the next 30 days or so. Call me if you want to help or
would like to give me some feedback”
Watch this space as they say. Email with schedule and event specifics will start coming soon!
Nation’s Highest Yacht Club Hosts Wheels and Keels
Dillon, CO – June 1, 2009 – The 36th Annual Dillon Open Regatta continues to bring thrilling sailing experiences to sailors on Lake Dillon. This year’s event, presented by Audi, will also bring a breathtaking driving experience to spectators on the roads of Summit County. The Dillon Open, known for its superior race management and challenging sailing conditions, is the premier sailing regatta in the Rocky Mountain region and will take place on July 31st - August 2nd. Proceeds from the Dillon Open will be donated to the Dillon Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program (DYCJSP), a non-profit organization that provides weekly sailing camps for youth kids in Summit County, Western slope and along the front-range.
The Dillon Yacht Club (DYC), founded in 1968, is the nation's highest yacht club at 9,017 feet above sea level. The Dillon Open Regatta is one of the most unique sailing regattas in the world and draws amateur and professional sailors from various states to compete in the challenging conditions of Lake Dillon. The highly competitive nature of this regatta hosts seven fleets of one-design boats to participate in this sailing event. Colorado has no shortage of top contenders, the Dillon Yacht Club is proud to claim several of its members as past winners of the Dillon Open Regatta.
Proceeds from the Dillon Open Regatta have allowed the DYC Junior Sailing Program to increase their operations with the purchase of a new building, new boats, the flexibility to hire top youth instructors, and to fund scholarships for financially disadvantaged area youth. "The Community Sailing Program provides a life-changing experience for these kids who would otherwise not have an opportunity to learn about sailing and being part of a team,” said Frank Keesling, Board of Directors for DYCJSP. “When you see the determination in a young sailor’s eyes, you know they are learning a sport they will pursue with passion and drive.”
The 2009 Dillon Open Regatta is open to the public beginning on Friday, July 31st in the town of Dillon, CO. The Dillon Yacht Club and the Dillon Marina will be the main event sites throughout the regatta weekend. Audi will be hosting the “Ride n’ Drive” on-shore activity on Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd. Spectators and competitors will have the opportunity to test drive Audi’s Supercharged A6, Q5 Crossover or the Q7 TDI clean diesel SUV. This year’s 36th Annual Dillon Open will bring a diversified weekend of events such as competitive sailing, spectator boat rides, an Audi driving experience, a silent auction, dinners and live entertainment.
